After more than 20 years in the Legislature, Rep. Robert Huddleston announced Thursday that he has retired.

The Sumner Democrat has served in the House since 1996. Huddleston submitted his resignation Wednesday and it was effective immediately.

“I wish Representative Huddleston the best of luck in his retirement,” Speaker Philip Gunn said in a release. “He has been a loyal friend to me and a great legislator. I appreciate his years of service and dedication to the Mississippi House of Representatives.”

Gov. Phil Bryant will set a date for a special election to replace Huddleston, who represented District 30.

Huddleston did not give a specific reason for his retirement, but told his peers he was not leaving for health reasons.

“I love y’all, but it’s time for me to go,” Huddleston said.

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Kayleigh Skinner

Kayleigh Skinner

Kayleigh Skinner joined the Mississippi Today team in January 2017 as an education and legislative reporter and advanced to a senior staff member in her three years with the company. Skinner most recently served as deputy managing editor before assuming the role of managing editor. Kayleigh has a bachelor’s in journalism from the School of Journalism and New Media from the University of Mississippi. Before joining Mississippi Today, Kayleigh worked at The Hechinger Report, Chalkbeat Tennessee, and The Commercial Appeal, and has appeared on MSNBC, NPR, and BBC Newsday Radio to discuss her reporting.